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A pit stop at Michigan's oldest bar, the New Hudson Inn

The New Hudson Inn is believed to have been a stop on the Underground Railroad.

Business

The divey New Hudson Inn in western Oakland County claims to be the oldest bar in the state, and it&#x27;s worth a visit for history buffs.The big picture: The neighborhood spot with a rich history dating <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="back to 1831" data-vars-click-url="https://www.newhudsoninn1831.com/" data-vars-content-id="ffef79f5-efbe-4a09-9d0f-322c380ecbd4" data-vars-headline="A pit stop at Michigan&#x27;s oldest bar, the New Hudson Inn" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.newhudsoninn1831.com/" target="_blank">back to 1831</a> is known for its burgers, jovial atmosphere and popularity with the biker crowd.

Michigan tops UConn to win NCAA title

The Wolverines used defense and transfers to secure their first title since 1989.

Sports

U-M survived a brawl with UConn Monday night, 69-63, to win the men&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="college basketball" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/04/03/michigan-arizona-final-four-2026-matchup-preview" data-vars-content-id="9a7afb30-8742-4856-b3b6-ac1b296c4ed2" data-vars-headline="Michigan tops UConn to win NCAA title" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/04/03/michigan-arizona-final-four-2026-matchup-preview" target="_self">college basketball</a> national championship.Why it matters: It&#x27;s the first Wolverines title since 1989, snapping a four-game losing streak in the title game.

Metro Detroit small businesses weigh in on economy

Confidence is falling among small-business owners, per a recent national survey.

Some Metro Detroit business owners are echoing the economic stress felt by entrepreneurs across the country.Driving the news: Confidence among American small-business owners fell for a second consecutive quarter, according to the recently released <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="U.S. Chamber of Commerce Small Business Index" data-vars-click-url="https://www.uschamber.com/small-business/small-business-index-q1-2026" data-vars-content-id="3e70fab0-836b-47da-b649-189d083e546b" data-vars-headline="Metro Detroit small businesses weigh in on economy" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.uschamber.com/small-business/small-business-index-q1-2026" target="_blank">U.S. Chamber of Commerce Small Business Index</a>.

What Metro Detroit homeowners do for a living

STEM and skilled trades workers have higher homeownership rates here than nationally.

Real Estate

Management and business professionals are most likely to own a home in the Detroit area, according to a National Association of Realtors analysis of Census Bureau data.The big picture: Homeownership occupation trends in the Detroit-Warren-Dearborn area diverge from the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="national pattern" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/30/homeownership-rate-job-occupation" data-vars-content-id="fb0d51db-90e9-49f1-92d4-c5396ae7790a" data-vars-headline="What Metro Detroit homeowners do for a living" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/30/homeownership-rate-job-occupation" target="_self">national pattern</a>, as we have higher overall rates of homeownership here among all the careers studied.

Mapped: Michigan hospitals in concentrated markets

One factor driving health care cost increases is rising hospital consolidation.

Health

Nearly half of Michigan hospitals are in a highly concentrated market, according to a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="blog post" data-vars-click-url="https://www.healthcareaffordabilitylab.org/commentary-press-release-posts/a-ranking-of-all-50-states-by-hospital-consolidation" data-vars-content-id="d5394232-3bb4-4191-8fa2-17363af0c40c" data-vars-headline="Mapped: Michigan hospitals in concentrated markets" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.healthcareaffordabilitylab.org/commentary-press-release-posts/a-ranking-of-all-50-states-by-hospital-consolidation" target="_blank">blog post</a> from Yale&#x27;s new Health Care Affordability Lab.Why it matters: As rising health care costs put more financial strain on Americans, &quot;one major and underappreciated factor driving price increases is rising consolidation among U.S. hospitals,&quot; the blog post argues.

Michigan abortion clinics drop 12% over two years

Federal funding changes impacted Planned Parenthood clinics in Michigan.

The number of clinics in Michigan providing <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="abortions" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2022/05/09/the-state-of-abortion-in-michigan" data-vars-content-id="0eb5f897-412d-45cc-8ac7-0bc1e178f789" data-vars-headline="Michigan abortion clinics drop 12% over two years" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2022/05/09/the-state-of-abortion-in-michigan" target="_self">abortions</a> fell 12% over a nearly two-year period ending in December, according to a recently released Guttmacher Institute report.Why it matters: The Trump administration&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="withholding" data-vars-click-url="https://www.kff.org/womens-health-policy/title-x-grantees-and-clinics-affected-by-the-trump-administrations-funding-freeze/" data-vars-content-id="0eb5f897-412d-45cc-8ac7-0bc1e178f789" data-vars-headline="Michigan abortion clinics drop 12% over two years" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.kff.org/womens-health-policy/title-x-grantees-and-clinics-affected-by-the-trump-administrations-funding-freeze/" target="_blank">withholding</a> of Title X <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="family planning funding" data-vars-click-url="https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2025/03/31/planned-parenthood-title-x-funding/" data-vars-content-id="0eb5f897-412d-45cc-8ac7-0bc1e178f789" data-vars-headline="Michigan abortion clinics drop 12% over two years" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2025/03/31/planned-parenthood-title-x-funding/" target="_blank">family planning funding</a> for Planned Parenthood and other health care providers likely contributed to the decline, per <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the report" data-vars-click-url="https://www.guttmacher.org/report/abortion-clinics-united-states-2024-2025#:~:text=Number%20of%20clinics%20providing%20abortions%20and%20changes%20over%20time%2C%20by%20state" data-vars-content-id="0eb5f897-412d-45cc-8ac7-0bc1e178f789" data-vars-headline="Michigan abortion clinics drop 12% over two years" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.guttmacher.org/report/abortion-clinics-united-states-2024-2025#:~:text=Number%20of%20clinics%20providing%20abortions%20and%20changes%20over%20time%2C%20by%20state" target="_blank">the report</a>.

Experts urge 24-hour break from screens

Healthy tech boundaries can boost sleep, mood and connection.

News

Think you can go 24 hours without scrolling on your <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="phone" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/12/01/smartphones-age-12-worse-health-study" data-vars-content-id="68bc8434-d1ad-4536-b62d-c37ce52c8cdd" data-vars-headline="Experts urge 24-hour break from screens" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/12/01/smartphones-age-12-worse-health-study" target="_self">phone</a> or staring at other devices?<ul><li>Give it a try on Friday, this year&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Day of Unplugging" data-vars-click-url="https://www.globaldayofunplugging.org/" data-vars-content-id="68bc8434-d1ad-4536-b62d-c37ce52c8cdd" data-vars-headline="Experts urge 24-hour break from screens" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.globaldayofunplugging.org/" target="_blank">Day of Unplugging</a>.</li></ul>

Dearborn health leader joins Sheffield administration

Ali Abazeed will oversee efforts to tackle chronic disease and health inequities.

The leader of Dearborn&#x27;s recent public health push, ​​Ali Abazeed, is starting a new job in Detroit as chief public health officer.Why it matters: Improving the health of residents in a city dealing with major <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="health" data-vars-click-url="https://www.brookings.edu/articles/examining-and-addressing-covid-19-racial-disparities-in-detroit/" data-vars-content-id="ed6da25c-f684-4c63-8821-1d63e1b10a65" data-vars-headline="Dearborn health leader joins Sheffield administration" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.brookings.edu/articles/examining-and-addressing-covid-19-racial-disparities-in-detroit/" target="_blank">health</a> <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="inequities" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2025/12/09/preterm-baby-babies-michigan-infant-health" data-vars-content-id="ed6da25c-f684-4c63-8821-1d63e1b10a65" data-vars-headline="Dearborn health leader joins Sheffield administration" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2025/12/09/preterm-baby-babies-michigan-infant-health" target="_self">inequities</a> is a key puzzle piece for Mayor Mary Sheffield&#x27;s new administration.

Rx Kids opens cash aid for new Detroit mothers

The program provides monthly cash to mothers during pregnancy and families with newborns.

Applications opened Monday for a unique local program giving new mothers <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="cash assistance" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2025/10/29/detroit-mayor-cash-plans-families" data-vars-content-id="f81f47ab-e2de-40d4-b673-ebe81d3385ee" data-vars-headline="Rx Kids opens cash aid for new Detroit mothers" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2025/10/29/detroit-mayor-cash-plans-families" target="_self">cash assistance</a> without strings attached.Why it matters: Bringing Rx Kids to Detroit is an early move in new Mayor Mary Sheffield&#x27;s goal to make <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="progress on childhood poverty" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/01/28/luke-shaefer-anti-poverty-program-city" data-vars-content-id="f81f47ab-e2de-40d4-b673-ebe81d3385ee" data-vars-headline="Rx Kids opens cash aid for new Detroit mothers" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/01/28/luke-shaefer-anti-poverty-program-city" target="_self">progress on childhood poverty</a>.

Rethinking our relationships with sugar

A lifelong dessert fiend has committed to reducing their sugar intake in 2026 and is far from alone.

Food and Drink

👋 Annalise here. In my <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="2025 series" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2025/02/18/dearborn-desserts-waffle-to-end-all-waffles" data-vars-content-id="fb09b446-45d5-49e6-a0eb-81fde49344bf" data-vars-headline="Rethinking our relationships with sugar" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2025/02/18/dearborn-desserts-waffle-to-end-all-waffles" target="_self">2025 series</a> trying Dearborn&#x27;s most mouthwatering desserts, I fell hard for the Dubai chocolate <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="strawberry cup" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2025/03/14/dearborn-desserts-a-cup-the-internet-loves" data-vars-content-id="fb09b446-45d5-49e6-a0eb-81fde49344bf" data-vars-headline="Rethinking our relationships with sugar" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2025/03/14/dearborn-desserts-a-cup-the-internet-loves" target="_self">strawberry cup</a>, the sweet-savory <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="cheese dome" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2025/05/28/dearborn-desserts-the-iconic-cheese-dome" data-vars-content-id="fb09b446-45d5-49e6-a0eb-81fde49344bf" data-vars-headline="Rethinking our relationships with sugar" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2025/05/28/dearborn-desserts-the-iconic-cheese-dome" target="_self">cheese dome</a> and traditional <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="baklava" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2025/03/03/dearborn-desserts-ramadan-begins" data-vars-content-id="fb09b446-45d5-49e6-a0eb-81fde49344bf" data-vars-headline="Rethinking our relationships with sugar" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2025/03/03/dearborn-desserts-ramadan-begins" target="_self">baklava</a>.Yes, but: All those midday treats are now merely long-ago love affairs to play through my mind on repeat during the dark, lonely hours, like an elderly bachelor reflecting on his Casanova youth.

Metro Detroit senior apartments to get fresh food pantries

Metro Food Rescue is trying out a new program: stocking fridges in affordable housing complexes.

Metro Food Rescue is trying out a new way to bring food directly to those who need it: stocking community fridges in their apartment buildings.Why it matters: Transportation and time can be obstacles for older people trying to access food pantries and other resources.

Flu season hits Michigan hard as hospitalizations rise

A rise in flu cases is hitting as schools and workplaces reopen following the holidays.

Flu cases are spiking in southeast Michigan, just as the holiday season ends and people are headed back to work and school.The big picture: An unprecedented rise in flu cases comes as other sicknesses — such as the &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="winter vomiting bug" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/12/24/norovirus-winter-vomiting-bug-variant-symptoms" data-vars-content-id="bcb24daa-fe4a-44e6-b1cb-b189cd696a17" data-vars-headline="Flu season hits Michigan hard as hospitalizations rise" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/12/24/norovirus-winter-vomiting-bug-variant-symptoms" target="_self">winter vomiting bug</a>,&quot; <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="COVID" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/health/coronavirus" data-vars-content-id="bcb24daa-fe4a-44e6-b1cb-b189cd696a17" data-vars-headline="Flu season hits Michigan hard as hospitalizations rise" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/health/coronavirus" target="_self">COVID</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="whooping cough" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/11/28/whooping-cough-pertussis-symptoms-cases-november-kentucky" data-vars-content-id="bcb24daa-fe4a-44e6-b1cb-b189cd696a17" data-vars-headline="Flu season hits Michigan hard as hospitalizations rise" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/11/28/whooping-cough-pertussis-symptoms-cases-november-kentucky" target="_self">whooping cough</a> — are slamming the United States this winter.

Pilates reigned as Metro Detroit's top 2025 workout

Yoga and strength training are also top exercise types.

Culture

Metro Detroit&#x27;s top workout this year was Pilates, according to ClassPass data shared with Axios.The big picture: We&#x27;re not bucking the national trend on this one. Across the country, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Pilates was the top" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2024/03/08/pilates-classpass-functional-fitness-popular" data-vars-content-id="a486a006-f55b-43da-8fa6-b75dc5fd518d" data-vars-headline="Pilates reigned as Metro Detroit&#x27;s top 2025 workout" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2024/03/08/pilates-classpass-functional-fitness-popular" target="_self">Pilates was the top</a> fitness format — just like last year and the year prior — increasing 66% year over year, per workout reservation app <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="ClassPass" data-vars-click-url="https://classpass.com/blog/2025-classpass-look-back-report/" data-vars-content-id="a486a006-f55b-43da-8fa6-b75dc5fd518d" data-vars-headline="Pilates reigned as Metro Detroit&#x27;s top 2025 workout" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://classpass.com/blog/2025-classpass-look-back-report/" target="_blank">ClassPass</a>.

Cold weather tips to keep your pets safe

A vet shares signs of hypothermia and tips for walking dogs safely in the snow.

Winter&#x27;s grip is tightening around Metro Detroit and our furry friends are feeling the chill, too.Why it matters: Winter can be tougher on pets than many owners realize, Royal Oak veterinarian Lauren Zeid tells Axios Detroit.

Water tests show lower lead levels

Water tests show lower lead levels in Detroit

A choropleth map of the U.S. showing share of hospitals that are in a highly concentrated market or part of a monopoly in 2025. In North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wyoming, all hospitals are highly concentrated or part of a monopoly. In D.C., none are. Market concentration is particularly high in the mountain west and coastal south.

Share of hospitals that are in a highly concentrated market or are part of a monopoly, 2025

Data: Yale Health Care Affordability Lab; Map: Axios Visuals

Axios Vitals

A map showing the change in the number of clinics providing abortions from March 2024 to December 2025. Overall there's been a decrease of 2% in clinics. 19 states had a decrease in clinics, including Nebraska and Alaska (-33%). Nine states had an increase, including Ohio (33%), Wisconsin (25%) and Massachusetts (25%).

Health 🩺

Water tests show lower lead levels in Detroit

Mapped: Michigan hospitals in concentrated markets

Michigan abortion clinics drop 12% over two years

Experts urge 24-hour break from screens

Dearborn health leader joins Sheffield administration